A Night to Celebrate the Filmmakers

George Town, 23 October 2018 – By producing a one-minute video, a KDU Penang University College captures the gripping reality of how depression can kill like a slow poison.

The video starts with a long-haired youth holding a pair of drumsticks. He starts to play his drums, a harsh, desperate beat that bespeaks his inner turmoil. He plays till his hands bleed. This dramatic video won the Best Public Service Announcement (PSA) award with RM500 and certificates in Flicks Fiesta 2018 on Oct, 20th at KDU Penang.

Sofhie Salim, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Media Production degree at KDU Penang said his video is a voice of every student who is depressed due to loneliness and the struggle to meet societal expectations.

“Youths must be actively involved in social activities, sports or hang out with friends as this are the ways for them to release their depression and stress,” said Sofhie on Flicks Fiesta award night.

Flicks Fiesta was back again this year with the theme “Celebrating Talents, Celebrating Lives.”

This year’s Flicks Fiesta celebrated the young filmmakers with prizes worth up to RM12,000. This annual filmmakers’ award night was organised by KDU Penang’s Bachelor in Public Relations and Communication students, who collaborated with Penang Youth Development Corporation.

This year, the event took a step further by receiving submissions from Indonesia, Taiwan and India to acknowledge young filmmakers and their creative talents. Professor Dr. Chong Beng Keok, Vice-chancellor of KDU Penang, encouraged the students to be a part of the arts even though the world is being changed by Industrial Revolution 4.0.

“Although these are revolutionary steps for mankind, we also need to celebrate and nurture our fundamental humanity, which is the arts. We need to raise awareness, change perceptions and encourage a positive appreciation towards our society, hence the theme of this year’s Flicks Fiesta,” said Dr. Chong.

Datin Orked Ahmad, sister of the late legendary filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad, thanked KDU Penang for honouring the legacy of Yasmin on this award night.

At the event, the Department of Mass Communication launched the Wonder Mama project which provides a platform to educate and empower 16 single mothers to kickstart their own online businesses. For more information, call 04-2386368 or log in www.kdupg.edu.my.